Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Brandeis University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education Waltham, Massachusetts 35.3% Acceptance Rate

Brandeis University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9110 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.brandeis.edu/

Brandeis University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

35.3%Acceptance Rate
3.84Avg GPA
1473Avg SAT
33Avg ACT
$82,123Annual Cost
$77,231Grad Salary
14.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
35.3%
Avg GPA
3.84
Avg SAT
1473
Avg ACT
33
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1390–1530
ACT Middle 50%
31–34
Need-Based Aid
14.4% receive Pell

Brandeis University, founded in 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a research-intensive university rooted in Jewish values and committed to social justice. Named after Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, the university's 235-acre campus features modern facilities like the $50 million Shapiro Science Center and the Rose Art Museum. Brandeis excels in neuroscience, international studies, and creative arts, with particular strengths in Jewish and Middle Eastern studies. The university's 10:1 student-faculty ratio supports close collaboration, with 70% of undergraduates engaging in research. Brandeis's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its diverse community and need-blind admission policy. Recent initiatives include the $1 billion Brandeis Blueprint campaign, enhancing financial aid, faculty resources, and campus facilities while maintaining the university's distinctive combination of rigorous scholarship and ethical engagement.

Brandeis University Acceptance Rate

Brandeis University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Brandeis University is 35.3%. This means that 35 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Brandeis University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 35.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.39
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Brandeis University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Brandeis University is 3.84. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.

To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.04-4.24 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.54 and 3.84, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.

Brandeis University GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.

Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.

Admissions at Brandeis University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.84, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.44 – 3.63
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.43
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Brandeis University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Brandeis University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Brandeis University's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Brandeis University Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Brandeis University Without SAT or ACT?

Brandeis University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Brandeis University Average SAT Score: 1473

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Brandeis University is 1473 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Brandeis University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1473 — Very Competitive

This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1473 on the SAT.

SAT Math
740
SAT Reading
720
Composite
1473
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1530 SAT or 34 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Brandeis University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1390, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Brandeis University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Brandeis University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math740700780
SAT Reading720690750
SAT Composite147313901530

It means that if you have scored less than 1390 then you are below most of the admitted students at Brandeis University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1530 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450

Can I get into Brandeis University with a 1550 SAT?

With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Brandeis University are good but the admission staff at Brandeis University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Brandeis University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Brandeis University is 33.

ACT Competitiveness

Brandeis University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 33 — Very Competitive

This score makes Brandeis University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 33 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Brandeis University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math312834
ACT English343235
ACT Composite333134

Can I get into Brandeis University with a 34 ACT?

A 34 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Brandeis University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Brandeis University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Brandeis University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Brandeis University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 34 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 33

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Brandeis University

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At Brandeis University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

Brandeis University Profile

Full Name
Brandeis University
City
Waltham
State
Massachusetts
ZIP Code
02454-9110
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Is a Brandeis University Degree Worth It?

Getting into Brandeis University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Brandeis University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Brandeis University is $85,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3%.

How much does a degree from Brandeis University Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Brandeis University is $82,123. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Brandeis University is much less than this.

14.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Brandeis University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Brandeis University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Brandeis University as your choice in the form.

How much does a Brandeis University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $77,231. An average Brandeis University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$82,123Annual Cost
14.4%Pell Grant
28.3%Federal Loan
$77,231Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Brandeis University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Occidental College Los Angeles, CA 1461 33
Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO 1445 33
George Washington University Washington, DC 1433 33
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA 1447 31
Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA 1443 32
Bates College Lewiston, ME 1446 32
University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD 1463 34
Babson College Wellesley, MA 1435 32
Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI 1433 32
Macalester College Saint Paul, MN 1424 32
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Brandeis University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Northeastern University Oakland Oakland, CA 1472 32
Scripps College Claremont, CA 1480 33
University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD 1463 34
Boston University Boston, MA 1473 33
Smith College Northampton, MA 1480 33
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Brandeis University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CA 1514 34
Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CA 1537 35
Pomona College Claremont, CA 1520 34
Wesleyan University Middletown, CT 1513 34
Yale University New Haven, CT 1534 34

Degree Programs at Brandeis University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Brandeis University →

Frequently Asked Questions About Brandeis University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $77,231 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82,123 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

14.4% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.

The acceptance rate of Brandeis University is 35.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.84. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.54, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.54, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.44 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.84, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Brandeis University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1473 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1390–1530.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

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Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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